Vintages


Let's look at 10 vintages in Margaret River to find which wines fared the best, where to find value in the great vintages, and what to look out for in some of the more variable vintages.

The main grapes planted in Margaret River are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion, and Shiraz.

Generally, Margaret River has a dry growing season, but if rain hits in the autumn, it can cause some issues with fungal disease in the vineyard. Having too much heat can also be problematic for the more elegant white wine styles, and getting that balance right makes for perfect vintages.

How Wine Folly Rates a Vintage

We gather the facts about a vintage and how those features affect the wines. This way, you can better find the vintages that fit your needs (whether you're a collector or looking to drink now).

Quality

Generally speaking, the more consistent the vintage, the better the quality.

The crop consistency determines the quality of a vintage. In some years, we see average to high consistency; consistency equates to quality.

On other vintages, quality is much more variable. In these variable years, it's best to look for producers who consistently produce high-quality wines because they can roll with difficulties growing grapes.

Weather

Ideally, producers want consistent temperatures year in and out for consistent quality. Of course, this is not very likely to happen as weather changes frequently. Rain during harvest, hail, and frost are key events that can create a difficult vintage.

Seasonal events include frost, hail, drought, and even wildfires. These events affect the quality or size of a vintage.

In warmer climates getting enough rainfall during the growing season is key for healthy grapes and ripening.

In cooler or more moderate climates, getting enough but not too much rain and getting the right amount of sunshine and heat are important for producing ripe grapes.

Volume

Contrary to popular belief, low volumes do not always equal high quality. Producers can have very high-quality years where volumes are also high.

The opposite is also true, where we might have low yields, but the quality may be low - due to disease in the vineyard or poor weather conditions.

So why do we care about volume? If there's more, it can lower prices, and the prices might be higher if there is less.

Recent Vintages To Explore
2021
A tough year due to rainfall and botrytis pressure, but Chardonnay fared well - some very fresh and elegant examples. Cabernet Sauvignon did the best of the reds.
2020
Cabernet Sauvignon stood out in this vintage, but all grapes did very well, showing concentrated fruit flavors. A perfect year for grape-growing.
2019
Very fresh wines in both white and red due to cooler temperatures, particularly Chardonnay.
2018
Perfect growing conditions led to perfumed and elegant wines all around. One of the best Cabernet Sauvignon vintages of the decade.
2017
Outstanding Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon with long aging potential, despite a year that had intermittent rainfall with the potential for fungal disease.
2016
A very strong year for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Blends, but Cabernet Sauvignon did very well too.
2015
A great year for aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and crisp, refreshing Chardonnays.
2014
An excellent growing season with perfect weather. All wines did very well, especially Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, most of which have great aging potential.
2013
Long, extended autumn was perfect for red grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon - perfect for long-term aging. Chardonnay is rich and ripe with just enough acidity.
2012
Exceptional year for red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnays are full-flavored and generous.
2011
A vintage for standout Chardonnay and very concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vintage Chart Legend
Highly Consistent
Average Consistency
Variable Consistency
Large Production
Medium Production
Small Production
Hot Temp/Low Rain
Average Weather
Cool Temp/High Rain